In a a previous Blog regarding the Suffrage Movement I covered the movement’s history of the 19th Constitutional Amendment and how it was supported both pro and con. In this Blog it is important to mention what a difficult task this was and how leading supporters of Women’s Rights were viciously treated.

Closer examination reveals that the marchers were treated badly by protesters. Pushing, shoving, and even throwing more than verbal insults. Many of the marchers were arrested, jailed, and even beaten, kicked, and seriously injured.

Police authorities would use what would be the slightest excuse to make arrests. One of the famous charges was “blocking pedestrian traffic and sidewalk obstruction.” It was these types of charges that landed Connecticut activist Helena Hill Weed of Norwalk to be jailed for “carrying a banner.” Another, Alice Paul, was arrested and Woodrow Wilson attempted to have her declared insane so she could be permanently institutionalized. After all, some believed that “courage in women is often mistaken for insanity” that was the thinking by more than a few.

Not an awful lot has changed over the last nearly 100 years. Two campaign issues today are issues dealing with women: should birth control medications be covered by insurance or free to the needy, and who is more respected and caring; a working Mom or a stay-at-home Mom.

What are the odds of winning that argument? Regardless of your choice, you will alienate the other. Recognition and better treatment began after women could vote. Makes sense to me.